Society’s Expectations vs Reality
My friend and muse Claudia asked me to do this shoot as she wanted to comment on unreasonable beauty standards, society often sets, on her page.
Part of the brief in post processing was to morph her body into similar proportions as to those of our mannequin and then edit out ‘the bits’ that will destroy humanity, in essence she looked similar to Barbie Doll.
I think is obvious that fans often do not read posts to understand the image, as one of her fans commenter that he was impressed with her perfect body! I have never edited a person to these unrealistic proportions before!
The reason that I have posted this image is that often prospective clients tell me that they would like to do a shoot but are waiting to get their body in shape. Well let me tell you, your body is already a shape, let us celebrate who you are and get some gorgeous and sensual images of you. Do not let the unrealistic goals that society often burdens us with affect your decision!
We had several requests to see the before and after image so we have posted it here.
The response we had on Social Media, particularly from our female followers was so reassuring.
I have been a huge fan of your work and Claudia for a long time now . The beauty of your work is showing how absolutely extraordinary and poetic the human body can be.
I myself have body image issues and medical conditions. For the last few days this image has not left my mind as in my mind eye it’s often what I see in the mirror.
The way you showed it your website, your words and Claudia’s have deeply impacted me to the point where I saw what we are being made to think of as art and made to think of as beautiful. And I had the realization that no one will tell me what art or poetry is beautiful or acceptable.
Since I saw the image I had the courage to wear shorts in public for the first time and even (as by chance I was at the beach) wear a costume without shorts . I honestly want you and Claudia to know and thank you both for this . As someone who admires your art . I thank you both for starting to acknowledge my own .
Thank you so much
Kind regards
Deminique
Thank you for your very kind words and I am so pleased that we were able to help boost your self confidence.